After several more attempts, he managed to maintain a consistent, higher brightness. Alex stepped back, studying the lamp thoughtfully. The lightning produced by the rune was pure magic-based electricity, but the incident with the lamp raised a tantalizing question. ‘Could Muggle-generated electricity be converted into magic?’ If the answer was yes, the implications were enormous. Alex had been grappling with the energy demands of his magic shaper for weeks. But Muggle electricity was cheap and abundant. If he could find a way to convert it into magic, his energy problem would be solved.
The next day, Alex ventured out to purchase a civilian fuel generator and several barrels of gasoline. Though it drew a few curious glances in Diagon Alley, he dismissed them with a quick excuse about “a new experiment.” Returning to the lab, he set up the generator and fueled it.
Alex meticulously assembled his experimental setup, connecting wires from the generator to a high-voltage voltmeter, coupling capacitor, measurement circuit, discharge calibrator, and double-pulse generator. These components converged into a fork-like discharge device in his hand, designed to precisely measure voltage and power.
The test was straightforward. He constructed a basic energy-absorbing rune and directed the generator's current toward it, hoping to see if the electricity could be converted into magic power. However, after repeated attempts, it became clear that his initial assumptions were flawed. The electrical energy discharged by the generator had no discernible effect on the magic circle.
Similarly, when Alex directed the current toward various alchemical amulets, the results were equally disappointing. The electricity either passed through harmlessly or caused the devices to emit a faint repelling reaction, but there was no fusion between the two energy forms. “Not surprising,” Alex muttered, shaking his head. “If electricity and magic could be directly converted, someone would’ve figured it out by now.”
Alex retrieved a crystal ball designed to temporarily house runes. Using his magic, he carefully constructed a complete Thundris Tempest Rune and transferred it into the crystal ball. However, he didn’t immediately proceed with the generator discharge. Instead, he extended his left arm, and from his cuff emerged his spirit-binding snake, a shimmering silver serpent.
The snake slithered toward the crystal ball, opened its mouth, and inhaled deeply. The Thundris Tempest Rune within the ball dimmed visibly as the snake drained some of its magic power. Alex ensured the rune wasn’t fully depleted, leaving just enough energy for the next phase of testing.
The reasoning was simple. A fully charged Thundris Tempest Rune had immense energy density, making it difficult to introduce new electricity into it. By partially draining the rune, he could observe how natural electricity interacted with its residual energy.
Alex then activated the generator, directing its electrical discharge toward the crystal ball. As the electric current approached the rune, it reacted immediately. The current seemed magnetically drawn into the rune, flowing continuously. The rune, initially faint and dim, began to glow brighter with each second, until its brilliance surpassed the level it had when first summoned.
After several tens of seconds, the flow of electricity ceased. The generator could no longer overcome the resistance of the now-saturated rune, signaling that its capacity had been reached.
Encouraged by the results, Alex repeated the experiment with ordinary lightning-based runes. However, the results were starkly different. Unlike the Thundris Tempest Rune, conventional lightning runes showed no reaction to natural electricity. This confirmed that the Thundris Tempest Rune was uniquely capable of absorbing and storing electrical energy.
Alex was satisfied. These findings validated his hypothesis: natural electricity could be converted into magic power through the Thundris Tempest Rune. Though the process was cumbersome and likely inefficient, it offered a potential solution to his energy dilemma. “Now to refine it,” Alex murmured, making detailed notes. “If I can efficiently extract magic power from the rune after charging it with electricity, I’ll have a reliable energy conversion method.”
The remainder of Alex’s summer was spent in the basement, immersed in refining the conversion process. His efforts centered on creating a converter capable of achieving greater efficiency while reducing energy loss to a minimum. Every aspect of the design demanded careful attention.
The choice of materials became a crucial factor. Alex experimented with various substances, searching for those that could seamlessly channel the transformation of electricity into magic power. Each trial brought new insights into how different properties affected the flow of energy.
The runes posed their own challenge. Alex worked tirelessly to refine the Thundris Tempest Rune, tweaking its design to enhance its ability to absorb and direct power. Countless iterations were tested and discarded as he sought the perfect balance. The question of how to store the converted energy also required careful thought. Alex debated whether to inscribe the runes directly onto the materials or to embed them within specially crafted energy crystals. Each approach offered unique advantages and limitations, adding another layer of complexity to the project.
Alex knew he wouldn’t complete his project before the start of term, so he decisively paused his experiments. With a week left before returning to Hogwarts, he decided to visit friends he hadn’t seen in a long time—namely, the Longbottom and Weasley families. Since moving into his home in Diagon Alley, Alex had barely left the house, consumed by his research in the lab. Even by his standards, his self-imposed isolation was extreme. This week offered the perfect chance to relax and reconnect.
Before heading out, Alex spent half a day in Diagon Alley purchasing gifts. The alchemical props he usually made were too dangerous for children, so he settled on safer options. For Neville, Ron, and Ginny, he bought toy brooms. For the older Weasley children, he purchased a complete set of Quidditch gear, including windproof goggles and other equipment. Knowing how much the Weasleys adored Quidditch, the gifts would be a hit.
Leaving Wimzy in charge of the house, Alex brought Fang along. He couldn’t risk leaving the mischievous husky home unsupervised.
The Longbottom home hadn’t changed much, though Neville had grown noticeably. His once-scrawny frame had filled out, thanks to Augusta’s care and a steady diet of nutritious meals. Alex was pleased to see the boy looking healthier and stronger. What warmed Alex most was that Neville still remembered him fondly despite the year-long gap. For a child as young as Neville, this was significant.
Dinner with Augusta and Neville was a quiet, pleasant affair. Augusta’s strict demeanor with Neville was evident, though it seemed to be her way of encouraging him. At only five years old, Neville already displayed an unusual level of discipline for a child his age.
After dinner, Alex spent some time playing with Neville. When it was time to leave, Neville clung to Alex, reluctant to say goodbye. Promising to visit again, Alex returned to Diagon Alley, already anticipating his next stop: the Weasleys.